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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 14, Issue 1 (April 1, 1939)

[section]

Railway arrangements in connection with next month's visit of King George and Queen Elizabeth to Canada and the United States are now approaching completion. A tour such as this throws considerable responsibility on all concerned in the transportation programme. King George, however, through his love of the railway as a means of movement, and his quick appreciation of every little courtesy, has earned the respect and esteem of railwaymen everywhere, and it is certain transportation folk across the Atlantic will regard it as a great privilege to help to make this unique visit enjoyable in the extreme.

New Passenger Station at Lens, Northern Railway of France.

New Passenger Station at Lens, Northern Railway of France.

Travel in Canada and the United States is, of course, an affair of immense distances. In the main, however, the arrangements for the handling of the Royal Train will follow on much the same lines as those usual in Britain. Here, the train consists of anything up to ten coaches, two being special saloons for the personal use of Their Majesties. These are comfortably appointed vehicles, with exceptional smooth-riding qualities. Refreshments are provided in a dining-car, marshalled immediately behind the Royal saloons, with the kitchen end trailing. On being requested to make arrangements for a Royal journey, the railways decide upon the marshalling of the train, and a careful time-table is prepared. Diagrams are circulated showing the number and type of the vehicles forming the train, their relative positions, and exact lengths. One vital piece of information included is the precise distance from the front of the train to the doorway of the King's saloon. This is essential in order that each stop may be made at the exact spot where His Majesty is to alight. After final approval by the railway management, the programme is submitted to Buckingham Palace, and it is interesting to note that very rarely indeed is any alteration of moment made by the Palace authorities to the carefully prepared plans of the railways. Before the Royal train, it is usual to run a pilot locomotive, while immense care is taken to ensure that every portion of the track is in perfect order and properly patrolled. In his American tour, King George breaks entirely new ground, for this is the first time a reigning British monarch has been welcomed to the United States. One and all will sincerely wish Their Majesties God-speed on their friendly visit.